AN EXCELLENT AND VERY RARE CHAM REPOUSSÉ GOLD... Lot n° 46

Central Cham kingdom, classical period, 10th – 12th century. Diadems like this one were used by the Cham to crown their statues of Hindu deities, predominantly made from sandstone. The central image of this museum-quality diadem shows the Hindu god Brahma, creator of the universe. Decorative gemstones (amethyst and zircon) are inlaid above Brahma’s heads, which are also flanked on both sides by many different designs executed in repoussé. Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Istvan Zelnik, Hungary. Dr. Zelnik has built one of the most fascinating and vast collections of South East Asian artworks during the past 4 decades. His collection is considered one of the three most important published collections in the world and he is the director of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute. An official attest by the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute signed by Dr. Zelnik can be provided to the high bidder upon request after payment for the object has been made in full. A private owner, acquired from the above several years ago. Condition: Excellent condition with expected traces of wear and age as well as extensive soil encrustations. Weight: 59.9 g Dimensions: Height 9.6 cm, Width 22.6 cm Metallurgic analysis: Fine gold content 670/1000 Literature comparison: Similar Cham diadems are published in The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, pages 110 and 113, Budapest 2013. Metallurgic Analysis The data from the metallurgic analysis posted in the catalogue entry for each lot in this auction relates to the proportion of fine gold contained in the gold alloy only. It does not relate to the gross weight of the lot, as the gross weight typically consists of the weight of the gold alloy and the weight of other materials added to the lot such as gemstones, soil encrustations, casting cores o